Located in Eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park is the only savannah park of Rwanda named after the Akagera River that flows along Rwanda and Tanzania border into Lake Ihema. The vegetation in Akagera National park mainly comprise of woodlands, papyrus, Acacia trees, perches, swamps and some forests. The diverse in vegetation favor the habitation of various birds and wild animals some of which are hardly found else where in the whole world. Akagera Park is one of the top three National parks of Rwanda alongside Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Akagera National Park spreads over 1122 square kilometers three quarters of which is filled with a swamp. The Park is managed by African Parks, which is in charge of other 15 parks in Africa.Find about Akagera National park with Africa Adventure Safaris, the leading and trusted travel operator in Rwanda and East Africa
History
Akagera National park was founded in 1934 an opened for travelers on Rwanda safaris. The Belgian government is the one that founded Akagera National Park during their reign in Rwanda. The park was initially home to numerous rhinos with over 50 rhino sin the 1970’s. Unfortunately, these rhinos were all lost to poachers until of recent when the rhinos were reintroduced into the park. More so, 1n 1990, Akagera National Park was housing over 300 lions lost of which were lost in the civil wars of Rwanda. Fortunately, rhinos and lions have been reintroduced back to Akagera National park which makes it home to the big five game.
Top travel activities in Akagera National Park
There are lots of interesting things to see and do in Akagera National Park for a greater experience. The must do travel activities in Akagera National park include:
• Game viewing: This is the top done travel activity in Akagera National park. Most travelers to this park choose game viewing as their top travel activity. Akagera Park is home to the big five game following the reintroduction of lions and rhinos in this park. Guided morning, day and night game drives offer you chance to see numerous wild animals grazing, browsing and hunting in the wilderness.
• Bird Watching: Akagera National Park shelters over 525 bird species, which make it a haven for birders. Guided nature walks to the forested and swampy areas of Akagera National park offer you chance to see numerous bird species some of which are endemic to the albertine region.
• Fishing: Sport fishing on Lake Shakani is a not miss on your Rwanda safari to Akagera National Park
• Boat cruising/Canoeing is yet another interesting activity you ou8ght to enjoy on your safari to Akagera National Park. The cruise offers you scenic views of the lake, wildlife, birds and the neighboring fishing villages
Park entrance fees to Akagera National Park
Basic knowledge on the park entrance fees to Akagera National park is essential for anyone planning a Rwanda safari to this savannah park. Foreign non residents (International travelers) to Akagera National park pay $100, Foreign residents $50, Eat African/Rwandan citizens $16,. The cost is inclusive of Park entrance, conservation fee, self-drive game viewing, rangers fee and the contribution to local people adjacent to Akagera National Park. If you want a professional ranger guide from Akagera National Park for a game drive, you will pay $40 for a full day while half day costs $25. Travelers are reminded to keep safe the receipts given to them upon payment for verification in case they are asked. More so, vehicles into Akagera Park are charged differently from visitors. The entrance fee for vehicles is $10 for Rwandan/East African registered vehicle/minibus while Omni bus/bus. Foreign registered vehicle/minibus (foreign registered &40) , Omni bus/bus, Overland cars $100. The entrance fees for both travelers and vehicles are valid for 24 hours. After this time, the traveler leaves the park or pays again for the next 24 hours.
Best time to visit Akagera National park
Whereas Akagera National park can be visited all year round, some seasons are better than the others. The best season for game viewing in this savannah park is between June to September, which is the busiest of the year. The Park is normally dry and wildlife easily seen in open plains. June to September is best for game viewing and photography with bright skies. Also, there are fewer mosquitos in the dry season, which limit the risk of catching the deadly malaria
which is common in the wet season. However, you can still visit in the wet season between October to May when the scenery is so green and lush with migratory birds available in the park. The bad side of wet season are the heavy rains which can interfere with game drives hence game viewing not as best as in the dry season. In other words, the excellent time to visit Akagera National Park is July, August and September, October, November, December, January and February is good for visiting while March and April is surely not good for mots activities in Akagera National park.
Accommodation in Akagera National Park
For those who want to stay overnight in Akagera National Park, the Park has lots of accommodation facilities available to offer you with excellent food and sleeping services at affordable. Some of the top lodges in Akagera National Park include
1. Ruzizi Tented Camp with nine self co0ntaiend tents
2. Akagera Game Lodge,
3. Karenge Bush camp
4. Magashi Camp
5. Dereva Hotel
The open wilderness of Akagera National Park is also best for camping offering you the wilderness experience.
Conclusively therefore, Akagera National Park offers it all to meet, satisfy and even exceed your travel expectations
